Lines We Can't Cross
Sky didn't go home.
Instead, he sat in a sleek café across the street from the hotel, Muse's note burning a hole in his jacket pocket. He kept replaying the man's words, his voice, his eyes—dark and knowing.
I know who she is. I know who your brother really is…
Who the hell are you, Muse?
Sky pulled out his phone, heart pounding. He opened a private browser and typed in the name:
Muse Elijah Lorent.
Nothing.
He narrowed his eyes, added a filter, tried again—this time searching through exclusive event guest lists, underground art networks, international media.
And there, finally—
A single result.
A photo.
Muse. Standing beside a man with a powerful name: Archer Winters.
Muri's father.
Sky's blood ran cold.
---
Meanwhile… at the Office
Muri was in the design studio reviewing samples when Lex stepped in, tie loosened, sleeves rolled, the scent of rain still clinging to his jacket.
She stiffened.
"I didn't expect you here," she said without looking up.
"I could say the same," he replied, watching her too closely.
They stood in silence for a moment. The air between them thrummed.
Then—
"You shouldn't have come to the bar," she said softly.
"You shouldn't have been there with Sky," he fired back, stepping closer. "Or is this part of the act?"
She looked up sharply. "You think this is easy for me?"
"I think," he said, voice low, "you remember more than you're letting on."
"I don't," she snapped. "But my body does. Every time I look at you, I feel like I'm losing my mind."
Lex stared at her. "Then lose it."
He stepped in, too close now. His hand brushed hers. Her breath caught.
"Don't," she whispered, trembling. "Please."
Lex's voice cracked. "You're lying to both of us."
She leaned in without thinking. Their foreheads nearly touched.
One breath.
One heartbeat.
One second too long.
Then—
Her phone buzzed. She jumped.
Sky's name on the screen.
She stepped back like she'd been burned. Lex turned away, jaw locked.
"I can't do this," she whispered.
"No," he said quietly. "You already are."